Rebuilding After the Storm: A Single Mom’s Plea for Help.

I never imagined I’d be in a position where I’d need to write my own GoFundMe story. As someone who has always fought for my community, I’m now humbly turning to that same community for help as I try to rebuild not just my home, but our lives.

My name is Anicia Figueroa, most know me by Nici. I’m a single mom of a recently diagnosed special needs child, and this past year has already been the hardest of my life. For those who know me, you know I’m a hustler—I’ve always worked multiple jobs to provide for my family. But in the last six months, I haven’t been able to work full-time, which has left my finances strained. What little I had left was spent on preparing for this storm.

When I tried to evacuate from Milton, my car—already in the shop for a quick diagnostic—ended up being a $4,000 plus repair, stranding my family and leaving me with no way to escape Tampa. As the storm rolled in, I watched helplessly as all the precautions I had taken—boarding up windows, laying down sandbags, etc.—were overwhelmed. Water poured into my apartment, flooding everything.

I sat there with my disabled grandmother, two teenage brothers, and my special-needs son, watching everything I’ve worked so hard for wash away. We’ve lost almost everything.

As a Tampa-raised native, this was the most unexpected and horrific event to happen in my entire 32 years on this earth.

So, I’m reaching out now, as humbly as I can, asking for any help—whether through donations, prayers, or sharing this story. Your generosity will help us rebuild not just a home, but the foundation of our lives.

May God bless you tenfold for taking the time to read our story, and for any support you can offer.